Pastor Lonnie Phillips
When the storm clouds gather and there is trouble in and around us, how would the Lord God have us respond?
1) Would He have us rely on our own understanding?
2) Would He have us take matters into our own hands, leaning on our strength?
3) Would He have us run to others so that alliances can be formed?...
4) Would He have us grow fearful and be dismayed?
I have at some point in my life tried all four of the ways listed above and have found that my own understanding is never good enough. I love to be in control but my strength is never strong enough. Alliances may give temporary reprieve from the trouble but Alliances break down. And fear also brings paralysis where nothing is resolved.
Yet in Psalm 46:1-3 we read, "God is our refuge and strength, A very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth should change and though the mountains slip into the heart of the sea; Though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains quake at its swelling pride."
What a great encouraging and powerful word that God wants to be our present help in trouble. He wants to be the One to lead, direct and protect us when we are going through trials and temptations that seem too great and big to overcome.
How then does He call us to respond when the trouble comes? Psalm 46:10, "Cease striving and know that I am God.." Give up control of the situation. Lay down your own understanding or wisdom and behold God in the midst of the trouble. Simply put: Let God be God! Thank You Jesus for being a wonderful good Shepherd and Lord to lead, direct and protect! In the mighty name of Jesus, Amen.
When the storm clouds gather and there is trouble in and around us, how would the Lord God have us respond?
1) Would He have us rely on our own understanding?
2) Would He have us take matters into our own hands, leaning on our strength?
3) Would He have us run to others so that alliances can be formed?...
4) Would He have us grow fearful and be dismayed?
I have at some point in my life tried all four of the ways listed above and have found that my own understanding is never good enough. I love to be in control but my strength is never strong enough. Alliances may give temporary reprieve from the trouble but Alliances break down. And fear also brings paralysis where nothing is resolved.
Yet in Psalm 46:1-3 we read, "God is our refuge and strength, A very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth should change and though the mountains slip into the heart of the sea; Though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains quake at its swelling pride."
What a great encouraging and powerful word that God wants to be our present help in trouble. He wants to be the One to lead, direct and protect us when we are going through trials and temptations that seem too great and big to overcome.
How then does He call us to respond when the trouble comes? Psalm 46:10, "Cease striving and know that I am God.." Give up control of the situation. Lay down your own understanding or wisdom and behold God in the midst of the trouble. Simply put: Let God be God! Thank You Jesus for being a wonderful good Shepherd and Lord to lead, direct and protect! In the mighty name of Jesus, Amen.
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